Leeton Shire Council decides to take on Leeton golf course for a further four years
Golf course safe for now
Leeton golf professional Jason Mimmo.
Simon Watson in action at the Leeton golf course.
The golf course is also used for social occasions and charity fundraising events.
THE future of the Leeton golf course is safe for at least the next four years.
Volunteers and players of the course breathed a sigh of relief on Wednesday night when Leeton Shire Council decided to continue its management and operation of the golf course until June 30, 2021.
It was a packed gallery and Wednesday’s ordinary council meeting where two options were on the table regarding the course’s future. The first was to do away with the management and the second was the four-year agreement.
Leeton golf professional Jason Mimmo was pleased with the outcome and said it would have been “catastrophic” if the decision went the other way. “I don’t even want to think about what would have happened if they went with the other option,” he said.
“It’s a real testament to our volunteers that council has decided to stick with it for another four years. A lot of work was put into a management plan to show council how we can support the work they do and where savings can be made.” The golf course was originally under the management of the Leeton Soldiers Club, but during its financial troubles council took over to save the course in 2012.
Up until now council has always made decision to take on the management for two years, with Mr Mimmo pleased to see a longer-term commitment. The management plan presented by golf course members will now see an increase of volunteer labour by 25 per cent from the current 45 hours a week to 56 hours a week.
Research avenues for grant funding and new ways of raising revenue will also be investigated. This is coupled with the creation of the Leeton Golf Benevolent Fund by a private consortium.
“This fund will work in consultation with council and the golf club sub-committee where funds raised can be used to support capital works at the course,” mayor Paul Maytom. “It is extremely pleasing to see such private investment being co-ordinated by community members in a bid to further improve the golf course.”